90 PSYCHOLOGY. 



these duties extend to the sharing of each other's labors ; the preser- 

 vation of each other's character; the prevention of errors; and the 

 redress of wrongs : and in maturity, they extend to the assistance 

 of each other, as means and opportunities are afforded, in obtaining 

 a comfortable settlement and support. 



3. Social Duties, are those which we owe to our fellow-men, 

 in the relations of society ; or as members of the great human fami- 

 ly. These duties may be classed as either active or passive : that 

 is, we are to avoid doing harm, and to strive to do good, to those 

 around us, with a view to promote both their happiness and our 

 own. Among the active, or positive social duties, are those of 

 friendship, benevolence, and patriotism ; while the passive, or nega- 

 tive, may all be comprehended under the single head of justice, 

 as regards the persons, property, reputation, peace, and virtue of our 

 fellow-men. 



The duties of Friendship, are reciprocal; and closely resemble 

 those of fraternity ; including fidelity, kindness, defence against 

 slander or wrong, and such advice or assistance as the relative situa- 

 tion of the parties may enable them to give. As these duties are 

 voluntarily assumed, they should not be exacted by either party, 

 longer than may be agreeable to the other ; but neither should past 

 favors be forgotten, nor old friends neglected ; nor can a cessation of 

 friendship justify subsequent injury, or betrayal of confidence. One 

 of the most disagreeable traits of character, is a disposition to with- 

 draw friendships once formed, on slight or insufficient cause. Great 

 care should be exercised in the choice of friends ; but still greater in 

 preserving this relation, and performing its duties, when once 

 assumed, either expressly, or by implication. The duties of Benevo- 

 lence are not optional, but imperative on every human being. As- 

 sistance to the needy, and comfort to the distressed, whenever they 

 can be afforded, belong to the very essence of humanity. Besides 

 these more active duties, we owe courtesy and kindness to all per- 

 sons whom we meet : as feeling the need of a like civility towards 

 ourselves. Gratitude, prompting to make a due return for favors 

 received, is a sacred duty ; allied to benevolence, if it be not a sim- 

 ple act of justice. 



Patriotism, comprehends the duties which we owe to our coun- 

 try ; that is to our fellow-citizens collectively. Among these duties 

 are obedience to the laws, and constituted authorities, so long as they 

 accord with justice and virtue ; support of them, and of all useful 

 public institutions, by our quota of time and money ; and influence, 

 in favor of public virtue, of the best measures and the worthiest 

 men, through the ballot-box, or the press; by precept and by exam- 

 ple. It is no excuse to say that we can do but little towards the 

 election of public officers, or the founding and support of benevolent 

 institutions, or the preservation of public morals. If we neglect our 

 share, we not only cause a deficiency ; but encourage others to do the 

 same, and make the deficiency greater: and so far as these effects 

 may extend, we are answerable for the consequences. 



Justice to our fellow-men, in regard to their persons, requires that 

 we should avoid inflicting pain, whether by wounding, maiming, 



